India and Indonesia are reportedly close to concluding a deal that could allow the original to provide the latter with the BrahMos hypersonic missile, which could have a significant impact on security dynamics in the southeastern approaches of the South China Sea.
During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to India as a guest of honor on Republic Day, a BrahMos weapon deal was officially discussed. During the vacation, Prabowoo met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BrahMos CEO Jaiteerth Joshi.
That was followed by an Indonesian group visit, led by Navy Chief Muhammad Ali, to the Brahmos Aerospace office. India and Russia work together to produce the weapons.
India has indicated that it will be willing to extend a line of credit to Indonesia in order to help the US$ 450 million offer. Indonesia would become the next ASEAN member state to get the fierce 290-kilometer range missile if the deal is approved.
In 2022, the Philippines purchased a$ 375 million anti-ship weapon system from India as fresh water tenses with China arose.
Strong barrier
Considering the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea’s liquid corporate and defense dynamics, marked by China’s growing confidence and rising US-China rivalry, the BrahMos missile had also significantly increase Indonesia’s deterrent capabilities.
The BrahMos hypersonic missile, which travels at a speed faster than Mach 2,8 and is mounted on either shore or ship, is a linguistic combination that derives its name from the Indian Brahmaputra River and the Russian Moskva.
It is a mid-range, ramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missile that can be launched from all three regions – area, air, and water. While it has a range of up to 800 kilometers, due to Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR ) restrictions, the range of export versions is capped at 290 kilometers.
Indonesia’s concerns about its ability to secure its Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ) have grown more acute as a result of China’s increasingly aggressive posture in the Natuna Sea, which has recently led to frequent confrontations with the Indonesian Navy.
Largest missiles would inhibit any possible Foreign aggression in the Natuna Sea, but they would also aid Indonesia in achieving its goals for modernizing its defenses.
None of Indonesia’s Surface-to-Air Missile ( SAM ) systems ( French Exocet, Russian P-800 Oniks, and Chinese C-705 and C-802 ) have a range anywhere near the Brahmos ‘ 290-kilometer range.
Additionally, the Philippines ‘ signing of a BrahMos cope with India and Vietnam is likely to bring a similar price shortly, which will rebalance the balance of power between China and rival Southeast Asian applicants in the contested South China Sea.
China is well aware of BrahMos ‘ advanced features, including its dart-like shape for a strong penetration capability, radar-absorbent coating for enhancing stealth, and ramjet engine that slows down adversaries ‘ response times.
Additionally, it has an extremely accurate composite guidance system that includes active and passive radar, satellite navigation systems ( SNS), and inertial navigation systems ( INS ) for advanced targeting.
Underscoring that potency, India deployed BrahMos missiles near India’s Line of Actual Control ( LAC ) in 2021, leading to heated reactions from China.
Indonesia’s Minimum Essential Force ( MEF ) program, launched in 2010, seeks to modernize its aging military hardware while balancing financial constraints. With a projected$ 46.6 billion defence budget for 2024-2029, Indonesia’s focus includes upgrading its air and naval capabilities.
India’s burgeoning defense industry, enabled by initiatives like” Aatmanirbhar Bharat” ( self-reliant India ), is well-positioned to meet Indonesia’s weaponry requirements.
In April 2024, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta hosted the annual India-Indonesia Defense Industry Exhibition-cum-Seminar, showcasing goods from 36 American security firms. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers ( SIDM) and Indonesia’s Pinhantans are expected to sign an MoU to promote joint production and technology sharing in response to the momentum.
Indonesia’s 2012 Defense Industry Law, mandating technology transfers for big purchases, aligns properly with India’s skills in producing cost-effective systems like the Tejas fighter jet, BrahMos weapons and advanced naval arteries.
Despite multi-faceted defense engagements such as security dialogues, Joint Defence Cooperation Committee ( JDCC ) meetings, military exercises, and port visits, India’s defense cooperation with Indonesia has so far been limited. However, a deal involving BrahMos missiles would immediately enhance the defense partnership’s depth and significance.
Brothers in arms
As China’s military ambitions spread in Southeast Asia, India’s role as a reliable security partner and weapons exporter to regional countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam, is becoming increasingly significant.
India’s strategic presence in the region needs to be strengthened, and Indonesia, the largest nation in ASEAN and a major maritime player, needs to do so.
A unique opportunity to give military collaboration with India is provided by President Prabowo’s military background and commitment to enhancing defense capabilities.
Unlike former President Joko Widodo’s economics-focused diplomacy, Prabowo’s agenda emphasizes robust defense policies, making this an ideal juncture to deepen bilateral ties.
The BrahMos deal can thus be a game-changer for India-Indonesia ties, giving rise to more robust defense relations while counterbalancing China’s growing military might and assertiveness in Southeast Asia.
Dr Rahul Mishra is a senior research fellow at the German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance, Thammasat University, Thailand, and Associate Professor at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. He can be reached at rahul. [email protected] and followed on X at @rahulmishr_
Harshit Prajapati is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. He can be reached at harshi55_is [email protected]. in , and followed on X at @harshitp_47